Shelter dogs can make a difference, too! Michelle adopted Leonard, a German Shepherd/Great Dane mix, from our Coon Rapids location in 2009. For the past four years, the two have been volunteering at the Minneapolis Veterans Home.

As Michelle got to know Leonard, she realized that his sweet personality and calm demeanor would make him a good therapy dog, and he soon earned his AKC Canine Good Citizen certification. Because she grew up with a father in the army, the Minneapolis Veterans Home is a place close to Michelle’s heart. Her hope is that Leonard’s visits will lift peoples’ spirits. “Our goal is to be day brighteners for people and take their minds off of medical issues and personal troubles,” she says.

Their service work was even featured on an episode of TPT’s Heroes & History about the Veterans Home, which can be found online.

Shout out to Leonard and Michelle for their awesome work helping our community! Follow Leonard’s adventures on Instagram at leonard_bubba.

For more heartwarming success stories or to see what our alums are up to these days, follow our Happy Tails blog.